NEW DELHI: In the wake of the devastating
landslide
that claimed over 650 lives in
Papua New Guinea
, India has stepped forward to offer immediate
relief assistance
amounting to $1 million to the island nation. The tragic event, which occurred in the Enga Province on May 24, caused widespread destruction, burying over 2000 people and resulting in significant loss of life.
The
ministry of external affairs
in a statement said, “As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of $1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.”
India has consistently demonstrated its support for Papua New Guinea during times of adversity caused by natural disasters.
This includes the earthquake in 2018 and the volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023.
Disaster
risk reduction and management is a crucial component of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), introduced by
PM Modi
in November 2019. The statement emphasized that “India is committed to Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder.”
Earlier today, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
expressed his heartfelt condolences and reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing all possible support and assistance to Papua New Guinea during this challenging time.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating
landslide in Papua New Guinea
. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The scale of the disaster is staggering, with estimates suggesting that around 2,000 people may have been buried alive by the massive landslide.
Lusete Laso Mana, acting director of the national disaster centre, reported in a letter to the UN that the landslide caused extensive damage to buildings and food gardens, significantly impacting the country’s economic lifeline.
In Yambali village alone, over 150 houses were buried under debris. The area remains at “extreme risk” as rocks continue to fall and the ground soil is subjected to constant increased pressure, according to officials.
